In this VoIP update:
- 2019 is almost a wrap
- Christmas shutdown planning
- 3CX version 16 – update 4 Alpha
- Our most recent webinars
- Grandstream GXV3500 unveiled
- 3CX Partner Programme – annual sales goals
- Blog articles
- Case studies – local stories to share?
- Marketing materials
- Firmware for IP phones
- Join our Soft Solutions NZ VoIP Community group on LinkedIn
2019 is almost a wrap
2019 has been a very busy year for all of our key VoIP brands and we are expecting 2020 to be just as full on. Looking back at 2019, the key highlights are the release of 3CX version 16 at the end of March. Along with this, was the unveiling and delivery of a new Grandstream range of products. From a Soft Solutions perspective, we’ve focused on delivering 3CX Technical Training around the country and enabling partners via regular sales webinars, blog posts and communications around our VoIP solutions. In 2020, we will grow on this. We plan to have more in person sales events, so keep an eye out for an event in your area. From the entire Soft Solutions VoIP team, thank you for your support in 2019. We look forward to what 2020 will deliver.
Christmas shutdown planning
It’s really important to plan ahead for 3CX licenses that expire around the holiday period. Soft Solutions will be closed from the end of day on Friday 20th December, and re-open on Monday 6th January. Please ensure you check your open quotes and action them ahead of time to ensure no disruption to your customers over the festive season. If you’d like a quote issued for upcoming renewals earlier, reach out to our sales team.
3CX version 16 – update 4 Alpha
Update 4 has been released to Alpha and brings more functionality for clients. A key highlight, is the support for more backup services and protocols. The new ability to have the WebClient as a Chrome extension brings even more flexibility. This is an Alpha release with Beta yet to come. It is not recommended to install on production sites, but it is a good idea to install and test on your test system. You can read more here.
Our most recent webinars
Last week, we took a look at 3CX’s road map and the Live Chat feature. We discussed how it could be utilised more and the power of it in a sales conversation. If you couldn’t join on the day, the videos are available for review.
| Date | Webinar Topic | YouTube link |
| 18th Nov | Review of 3CX’s roadmap | Click here |
| 21st Nov | 3CX’s Live Chat – what are the benefits? | Click here |
Grandstream GXV3500 unveiled
Grandstream continue to release new products in line with their aggressive roadmap. The GXV3500 is a video collaboration desktop phone. Sporting a 5 inch 1280×720 capacitive touch screen and running Android 7.0, it adds to the range of video desktop phones. You can see more here, with stock due Q1 2020.
3CX Partner Programme – annual sales goals
As highlighted last month, we’re coming towards the end of 2019 and it’s important to log in to your Partner Portal and check your partner status / revenue targets / achievements. Partner levels get reset on the 31st December and your partner level dictates your partner discount. If you need assistance to check your status, please reach out to Megan Twentyman our Brand Manager.
Blog articles
Our latest blog articles are live now. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to our blog when you visit it here:
- How to overcome challenges when provisioning DECT and FXS with 3CX – a common query that comes up in 3CX training is around provisioning DECT handsets. In this article, Matt takes a look at best practice and mentions the new template for Grandstream’s latest products. Read more here.
- Deploying phones offsite with 3CX (via SBC or VPN) – another common question for deployment of phones offsite is “Should I use SBC or VPN?”. Matt explores the benefits and best practice in this blog article. Read more here.
Case studies – local stories to share?
There is nothing better to assist in getting a sale across the line than a local case study that is relatable to your client. We are looking for NZ success stories to share. If you have a customer you think that would be willing to participate, please get in touch with our VoIP Brand Manager, Megan Twentyman. We’ll make the process painless. We want success stories around 3CX, Grandstream or even both working together.
Marketing materials
A number of partners took up the option to have datasheets customised with their logo. This is a service that Soft Solutions offers. We even share presentations that you can adapt for your potential customers. If this is of interest, reach out to Megan Twentyman for further advice.
Firmware for IP phones
Remember it’s always important to keep checking for updated firmware for your VoIP hardware. Both major brands we work with, Grandstream and Yealink, release new firmware as it’s developed. The firmware is available free of charge from their respective websites. If you’re ever trouble-shooting any issue with 3CX, the first thing they will check is whether your hardware has the most up-to-date version.
Join our Soft Solutions NZ VoIP Community group on LinkedIn
Our “Soft Solutions NZ VoIP Community” LinkedIn group has been created for customers to discuss VoIP related topics and keep up to date with upcoming Soft Solutions events, VoIP updates and any other general VoIP news. Join the group here.
Thank you for reading.
The VoIP Team at Soft Solutions
Phone: 09 306 0450, Freephone: 0800 733 233, E-mail: voip@sofsol.co.nz
Phone: 09 306 0450, Freephone: 0800 733 233, E-mail: voip@sofsol.co.nz
